How To Clean Stubborn Stains From 5 Different Upholstery Fabrics

We all have those oops moments when we spill something over our couch or favourite cushions. All hope is not lost though. There are some tricks that could salvage your mother in law’s chair from the wine you spilt on it during her last birthday party.

1. Vacuum The Stain

It may sound silly but you should frequently vacuum your upholstery, no matter the material. The reason is that if you don’t all that dust could set into the fabric. Once particles and dust are embedded into the material, then they can be a nightmare to get out. This is what can cause the texture and smell of your upholstery to change.

So when you have a little spill, grab the vacuum to help lift the particles and watch the stain immediately start to fade. Make sure you use a soft brush so you don’t harm the upholstery.

2. Use Baking Soda For Stains On Velvet

Create a baking soda paste by mixing the soda with water. Once you’ve blotted the area with a clean cloth, dab on the paste. Leave it to set for a few hours. Vacuum the area when it’s time and you’ll see the magic. This method can work well on stains like wine and coffee.

For velvet material mix the two spoons of baking soda a decent amount of lemon juice and dab the solution on the fabric. Make sure you don’t rub the stain, as it will make it worse.

3. Steam The Area And Blot The Stain

If you don’t have a steamer then just uses the steam setting on your iron. Go over the area to loosen up the stain. If you can use water then make a solution with some soap and grab a towel and start to blot the stain. Don’t rub the fabric, as this can damage it and make the stain worse. This method is good for most materials as it’s not rigorous.

If your couch is made from a linen material then blotting and using a soap and water method works well. The best thing is to spot test any method before trying it on the stain.

4. Use Detergent to clean Rayon Upholstery

Rayon is a commonly used material for everything from curtains to couches. It’s versatile and can be passed off as wool, silk or cotton too. If you get a stain on this material then mix some washing liquid detergent and vinegar and dab the stain. If you can’t get it out then you can use laundry detergent. Avoid using heat or hot water on Rayon as it causes shrinking.

5. Use White Vinegar On Your Fabric Couch

You can use white vinegar mixed with cool water. Spray the solution onto the stain and use a clean, white cloth to dab the stain. Repeat the action until you’re happy with the result. Make sure you only use the clean part of the cloth and dry the area thoroughly when you’re finished. Vinegar is safe to use on different fabrics and the smell won’t linger after it’s dry.

If you have a stain that you can’t get rid of after trying a few different methods, then call in a professional who can help you clean it or, if it’s really stubborn, re-upholster the fabric. If it’s a stain on a chair or curtains then you could get someone to alter your curtains or tastefully patch up your chair.

If you’ve had a little spill on your furniture, the best thing to do is to act fast. The quicker you tend to the stain, the less likely it is to set deep into the material. Vacuum the area, check the cleaning label then proceed to use the best cleaning method depending on the fabric. With one of these home remedies, there’s a good chance that your couch will look good as new.

Do you have any other tips and tricks for cleaning upholstry fabrics? Let us know in the comments!

Zana Dodig is a window treatment and upholstery expert with over 20 years of industry experience. She has designed window treatments and upholstery for prestigious homes and condominiums and loves creating stunning window treatments. She works an interior deco consultant at Prestige Decor.